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humidity

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humidity

 [hu-mid´ĭ-te]
the degree of moisture in the air.
absolute humidity the actual amount of vapor in the atmosphere, expressed in milligrams per liter.
relative humidity the percentage of moisture in the air as compared to the amount necessary to cause saturation, which is taken as 100.
humidity therapy the therapeutic use of water to prevent or correct a moisture deficit in the respiratory tract. Under normal conditions the respiratory tract is kept moist by humidifying mechanisms that allow for evaporation of water from the respiratory mucosa. If these mechanisms fail to work, are bypassed (such as with an endotracheal tube), or are inadequate to overcome the drying and irritating effects of therapeutic gases and mucosal crusting, some form of humidification must be provided.

The principal reasons for employing humidity therapy are: (1) to prevent drying and irritation of the respiratory mucosa, (2) to facilitate ventilation and diffusion of oxygen and other therapeutic gases being administered, and (3) to aid in the removal of thick and viscous secretions that obstruct the air passages. Another important use of water aerosol therapy is to aid in obtaining an induced sputum specimen.

Humidity therapy may be delivered in a variety of ways. Humidifiers and vaporizers increase the water content of an environment and are limited to the treatment of upper respiratory disorders because they produce particles that are too large to penetrate deeply into the lungs. Nebulizers generate clouds or mists of particles that are extremely small and thus capable of penetrating more deeply into the bronchioles and small structures of the lower respiratory tract. Examples of these include jet instruments and ultrasonic nebulizers.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

hu·mid·i·ty

(hyū-mid'i-tē),
Moisture or dampness, as of the air.
[L. humiditas, dampness]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

hu·mid·i·ty

(hyū-mid'i-tē)
Moisture or dampness, as of the air.
[L. humiditas, dampness]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

hu·mid·i·ty

(hyū-mid'i-tē)
Moisture or dampness, as of the air.
[L. humiditas, dampness]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012
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References in periodicals archive
Weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country.
According to National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in UAE, Monday night has been forecast to be humid as is Tuesday morning.
According to PMD, a rain system brewing in the Bay of Bengal entered Karachi yesterday, turning the weather from hot and humid to mild and breezy as rain, coupled with thunderstorm, lashed the city.
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday forecast mainly hot and humid weather in most parts of the country.
In extreme heat, electric fans may offer some relief when it's very humid, but when temps are extremely high and humidity is low, fans can actually make a person feel hotter, increasing strain on the heart and raising core temperature, a new report warns.
Past 24 Hours Weather: Weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country.
5, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Electric fans reduce core temperature and cardiovascular strain and improve thermal comfort in hot, humid conditions but are detrimental for all measures in very hot, dry conditions, according to a research letter published online Aug.
During the past 24 hours: Weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country.
"Feeling warm and humid with temperatures ranging 18C to 22C in mostly light, variable breezes.
Warm, humid weather for next 3 days Pagasa !-- -- Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) - June 17, 2019 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines Warm, humid weather is forecast for the next two to three days as the southwest monsoon or habagat weakens, the state weather bureau said.
Students heading back to schools in Palawan province, the Visayas and Mindanao on Monday should brace for rainshowers, while students in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon should be ready with fans and face towels as humid weather will persist on their first day of classes, according to the weather bureau.
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